Work vehicle travelling route generation system

The driving route creation system for work vehicles addresses safety and efficiency issues by using precise route planning to navigate around field ridges and obstacles, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

JP2025134485APending Publication Date: 2025-09-17ISEKI & CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024032420
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-03-04
Publication Date
2025-09-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing automatic driving systems for work vehicles face challenges in safely and efficiently navigating within fields, particularly due to potential contact with field ridges and difficulties in handling obstacles, leading to inefficient operation.

Method used

A driving route creation system that utilizes a positioning device to measure and store field outlines, creating planned work routes and separate movement routes, including headland travel sections, to avoid ridges and obstacles, ensuring precise navigation and efficient travel.

Benefits of technology

Enables safe and efficient travel within fields by setting appropriate routes that avoid ridges and obstacles, allowing for seamless navigation and reduced chances of vehicle damage.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a work vehicle travelling route generation system that allows a work vehicle to move and travel safely and efficiently by appropriate route settings.SOLUTION: There is provided a work vehicle travelling route generation system. A scheduled work route R1 is generated in a work region A, and a control part 150 is provided for controlling the work vehicle to perform work-travelling on the scheduled work route R1 that has been generated. The control part 150 generates a scheduled moving route G1 that is not accompanied by work, separately from the scheduled work route R1. The scheduled moving route G1 is a route connecting a moving start point P1, which is a position of the work vehicle 1 reached other than the work region A, and an optionally set target point P4, and includes: a headland travelling route part G12 in which the work vehicle travels along a headland travelling route M2 generated between the work region A and a farm field contour F1; a moving start route part G11 for connecting the moving start point P1 and the headland travelling route part G12; and a moving end route part G13 for connecting the headland travelling route part G12 and the target point P4. The headland travelling route part G12 is generated inside a predetermined distance of the farm field contour F1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving route creation system for a work vehicle such as an agricultural tractor. [Background technology]

[0002] An automatic driving system for a work vehicle is known that creates field shape information by recording the position information of a positioning device while driving along the field area within the field, and if it detects an abnormality in a safety sensor or the like, it interrupts the work drive and moves the vehicle to a predetermined waiting location (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7096531 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above technology discloses a route for moving the vehicle to a preset waiting location by running along the inner perimeter of the field's ridges. However, unless the vehicle's running along the ridges is controlled with high precision, it could come into contact with the ridges and damage the ridges and the vehicle. In addition, if the vehicle detects a ridge as an obstacle, it will stop running, making it difficult to operate automatically.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a driving route creation system for a work vehicle that can travel safely and efficiently by setting an appropriate route. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides the following technical means to solve the above problems.

[0007] The system is equipped with a positioning device that measures the position of the work vehicle, stores the field outline, creates a work area that is contained within the field outline, creates a planned work route within the work area, and is equipped with a control unit that controls the work vehicle to travel along the created planned work route, and the control unit creates a planned movement route that does not involve work, separate from the planned work route, and the planned movement route is a route that connects a movement start point, which is the position of the work vehicle when it reaches a location other than the work area, to an arbitrarily set target point, and has a headland traveling route section that travels along the headland traveling route created between the work area and the field outline, a movement start route section that connects the movement start point and the headland traveling route section, and a movement end route section that connects the headland traveling route section and the target point, and the headland traveling route section is created within a predetermined distance of the field outline. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a travel route for traveling within a field can be appropriately set separately from the work travel, allowing for safe and efficient travel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a tractor according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified side view of a tractor showing the detection range of a sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a tractor plane showing the detection range of a sensor according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system for a tractor according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating planned work route creation in a tractor travel route creation system according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating planned movement route creation in a tractor travel route creation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a side view of a tractor equipped with a broadcaster according to an embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of a work vehicle according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] 1 is an overall side view of a tractor 1 according to an embodiment in which a work implement 200 is mounted on a traveling body 2 shown as an example of a work vehicle, and the power of an engine E mounted inside a hood 18 at the front of the tractor 1 is appropriately changed in a transmission case 3 and transmitted to a front axle 4 and a rear axle 5 to drive both front wheels 6 and rear wheels 7 or only the rear wheels 7, and the tractor travels while steering the front wheels 6 to control the direction of travel. A work implement 200 such as a rotary tiller is attached to a lower link 9 protruding rearward from the body, and the work implement 200 is driven via a PTO shaft 11 protruding rearward from the transmission case 3.

[0012] A hydraulic clutch (not shown) is configured inside the transmission case 3, and the pressure during engagement is controlled by the control unit 150. When the clutch is engaged, hydraulic oil is supplied to the hydraulic clutch oil chamber at full pressure. After an initial time has elapsed, the pressure is controlled to increase from low pressure along a preset pressure increase curve, thereby suppressing shock during gear changes. In addition, when the clutch is engaged, the engine stop time before clutch engagement is measured and the initial time is extended according to the engine stop time. This allows the time until clutch engagement is completed to be appropriately shortened even if hydraulic oil is lost from the hydraulic clutch oil chamber due to the hydraulic pump stopping when the engine is stopped. At this time, if the capacity of the oil chambers on the forward and reverse sides differs, adjusting the initial time to match the capacity can more accurately shorten the clutch engagement time and suppress any discomfort during driving.

[0013] A positioning device (GNSS antenna unit) 174 is provided on the upper surface of the cabin roof 27, and this positioning device 174 can measure its own position by receiving positioning signals transmitted from multiple GNSS satellites. The positioning device 174 is attached to the cabin roof 27 by a positioning device stay 173 composed of a girder 173a provided across the left and right sides of the cabin roof 27 and an antenna fixing part 173b extending forward from the rear end of the cabin roof 27 to the upper surface along the roof shape. In addition, a stacked light stay 181 is provided on the girder 173a, and the stacked light 180 is attached in a position where it can be seen from anywhere. Furthermore, a side camera 182 is attached to the underside of the stacked light stay 181.

[0014] The front camera 102 is attached to the front center of the cabin roof 27 and photographs the area in front of the tractor 1. The rear camera 103 is attached to the rear of the antenna fixing part 173b of the positioning device stay 173 and photographs the area behind the tractor 1 from the rear center of the cabin roof 27. A rear obstacle sensor 107 is attached to the rear of the antenna fixing part 173b so as to be positioned rearward and above the rear camera 103. The rear obstacle sensor 107 emits infrared rays rearward and receives the reflected light, and if an obstacle is present behind the tractor 1, it detects the distance to the obstacle and its shape.

[0015] Below the hood 18 is a body frame 12 to which the front wheel axle 4 is attached, and at the front end of the body frame 12 is attached a weight bracket 13 to which a weight 14 is attached to maintain the weight balance of the vehicle. An obstacle sensor stay 108 is attached upward and forward from the weight bracket 13, and a front obstacle sensor 105 is attached forward of the rear end of the weight 14 and above the weight 14. This makes it possible to set the detection range of the front obstacle sensor 105 to a wide range both vertically and horizontally, avoiding the weight 14.

[0016] The forward obstacle sensor 105 is equipped with a first forward obstacle sensor 105a that emits electromagnetic waves forward and receives their reflection to detect the distance to the obstacle if there is one in front of the tractor 1, and a second forward obstacle sensor 105b that emits sound waves and receives their reflection to detect the distance to the obstacle if there is one in front of the tractor 1. The first forward obstacle sensor 105a is attached to the center of the lower part of the sensor mounting portion 108a of the obstacle sensor stay 108, and the second forward obstacle sensors 105b are attached as a pair on the left and right sides of the sensor mounting portion 108a, which has a shape that rises upward toward the sides, outside and above the first forward obstacle sensor 105a.

[0017] The obstacle sensor stay 108 is detachably fixed to the outer surface of the weight bracket 13 by a support frame 108b. The support frame 108b extends in the left-right direction at the bottom and in the up-down direction at the center of the vehicle, and is shaped so as not to overlap with the headlights provided at the bottom of the hood 18 in a front view. In addition, the obstacle sensor stay 108 is fixed in a position so as not to overlap with the work lights 16 provided at the top of the hood 18 in a front view or a side view.

[0018] Side obstacle sensors 109 are provided on the sides of the tractor 1. Side stays 110, on which the front side obstacle sensors 109a are attached, are detachably attached to the underside of the fuel tank and the lower step 22. The side stays 110 extend forward at their lower parts and bend upward, and the front side obstacle sensors 109a are provided in front of and above the fuel tank 21, between the front wheels 6 and the rear wheels 7, and below the upper ends of the front wheels 6 and the floor surface 28 that constitutes the floor of the riding section 26 where people board. This allows the front side obstacle sensors 109a to detect obstacles near the step 22 without obstructing the view of the lower front area from inside the riding section 26. The front side obstacle sensors 109a are also provided in a position that does not interfere with the lower step 22, the step section 21a of the fuel tank 21, or the fuel filler opening 21b in a side view. This allows for smooth entry and exit from the side, refueling, and other operations.

[0019] The first rear-side obstacle sensor 109b and the second rear-side obstacle sensor 109c are attached in orientations that differ by approximately 90° to a front convex portion 111a and a rear convex portion 111b of a rear stay 111 fixed to a rear wheel fender 17 that covers the front and upper parts of the rear wheel 7. An intermediate concave portion 111c is provided between the front convex portion 111a and the rear convex portion 111b to facilitate maintenance such as attachment and detachment of the rear wheel 7. The first rear-side obstacle sensor 109b and the second rear-side obstacle sensor 109c are attached at the front and rear of the rear wheel fender 17, sandwiching the rear wheel axle 5 in a side view, and the second rear-side obstacle sensor 109c is attached rearward and above the first rear-side obstacle sensor 109b.

[0020] The upper part of the rear stay 111 has a curved shape that roughly follows the shape of the rear wheel fender 17, and is fixed to the underside of the rear wheel fender 17 at both ends of the mounting part 111d, but the mounting part 111d is bent upward on the side of the rear wheel fender 17, so that the upper part of the rear side stay 111 is positioned higher than the opposing part of the outer end face of the rear wheel fender 17. This makes it possible to position the first rear side obstacle sensor 109b and the second rear side obstacle sensor 109c above the rear wheel 7, avoiding the rear wheel 7.

[0021] Fig. 2 is a side view showing the detection ranges of the obstacle sensors according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the detection ranges of the obstacle sensors according to the embodiment. The obstacle detection range 115b of the front second obstacle sensor 105b, the obstacle detection range 119a of the front lateral obstacle sensor 109a, the obstacle detection range 119b of the rear lateral first obstacle sensor 109b, and the obstacle detection range 119c of the rear lateral second obstacle sensor 109c each have a flat, voluminous shape. The major axes of the obstacle detection range 115b of the front second obstacle sensor 105b, the obstacle detection range 119a of the front lateral obstacle sensor 109a, and the obstacle detection range 119b of the rear lateral first obstacle sensor 109b are set to be approximately horizontal, whereas the major axis of the obstacle detection range 119c of the rear lateral second obstacle sensor 109c is set to be approximately vertical, so that the orientation of the sensors relative to the other sensors is changed. This prevents the detection range from jumping out to the rear, and prevents the work implement 200 attached to the rear of the tractor 1 from being mistakenly detected as an obstacle.

[0022] The front side obstacle sensor 109a is located outside the inner end of the front wheel 6 when the front wheel 6 is in a straight-ahead position in a plan view. This allows the sensor to detect obstacles over a wide area while avoiding false detection of the steered front wheel 6 as an obstacle. In addition, by providing a distance to the side from the engine E inside the hood 18, the effect of hot air from the engine E can be reduced.

[0023] In this embodiment, the side stays 110 are attached to the underside of the fuel tank 21 having the step portion 21a, but they may also be attached to a normal step for getting on and off. Also, the front obstacle sensor 105 and the side obstacle sensor 109 are configured so that the obstacle sensor stays 108, side stays 110, and rear stay 111 can be attached and detached together, and can be retrofitted to existing work vehicles.

[0024] 4 is a block diagram showing a control system for a work vehicle according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 150 includes an engine ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 151, a travel ECU 152, a work implement lifting ECU 153, an automatic driving ECU 154, and a communication unit 155.

[0025] The engine ECU 151 controls the rotation speed of the engine E. The travel system ECU 152 controls the rotation of the drive wheels (rear wheels 4) to control the travel speed of the travel vehicle body 2 (see FIG. 1). The work implement lifting system ECU 153 controls the lifting device 13 to lift and lower the work implement 200. The autonomous driving ECU 154 creates a travel route, and in autonomous driving mode, compares the vehicle's own position with the planned work route R1, etc., and communicates with the engine ECU 151, travel system ECU 152, and work implement lifting system ECU 153 to control each device.

[0026] The control unit 150 is capable of controlling each part through electronic control, and is equipped with a processing unit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, as well as a memory unit consisting of, for example, a hard disk, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., in which necessary data such as various programs and the planned work route R1 of the traveling vehicle body 2 that is set in advance for each field is stored.

[0027] 4, the control unit 150 is connected to a positioning device 174, an azimuth angle sensor 170, an engine rotation sensor 110, a vehicle speed sensor 111, a gear change sensor 112, a steering angle sensor 113, etc. The control unit 150 is also connected to an engine E, a gear change device 121, a steering device 122, an elevator device 13, etc.

[0028] The engine rotation sensor 110 detects the rotation speed of the engine E. The vehicle speed sensor 111 detects the traveling speed (vehicle speed) of the traveling vehicle body 2 (see FIG. 1). The gear change sensor 112 detects which of a plurality of gears the transmission 121 is in. The turning angle sensor 113 detects the turning angle of the front wheels 6 (see FIG. 1), which are steered wheels.

[0029] The control unit 150 receives inputs of information on the position (self-position) of the traveling vehicle body 2 in a field or the like from the positioning device 174, the number of revolutions of the engine E from the engine rotation sensor 110, the vehicle speed of the traveling vehicle body 2 from the vehicle speed sensor 111, the current gear position from the gear change sensor 112, and the turning angle of the front wheels 6 from the turning angle sensor 113. When the control unit 150 causes the traveling vehicle body 2 to travel autonomously, as described above, the control unit 150 uses the detection value of the turning angle sensor 113 to feed back the turning angle of the front wheels 6, thereby controlling the steering device 122, which is an electric motor connected to the steering wheel 8 (see FIG. 1), to steer the steering wheel 8. This steering device 122 may be one that controls a steering shaft (not shown), which is the rotation axis of the steering wheel 8, using the electric motor, or may be a hydraulic control device such as a valve and solenoid that controls a steering cylinder that steers the front wheels 6.

[0030] In the control unit 150, the engine ECU 101 is connected to the engine E, the travel system ECU 102 is connected to the transmission 121 and the steering system 122, and the work implement lifting system ECU 103 is connected to the lifting device 13. The work implement lifting system ECU 103 raises and lowers the work implement via the lifting device 13.

[0031] Furthermore, when the traveling vehicle body 2 is caused to travel autonomously, the control unit 150 determines in advance for each field a planned work route R1 (see FIG. 5) corresponding to the work width of the work implement 6, converts it into data, and stores it in the memory unit. Based on the measurement results of the positioning device 174, the control unit 150 controls the engine E, transmission 121, steering device 122, lifting device 13, etc. so that work is performed while traveling along the planned work route R1 stored in the memory unit. The planned work route R1 is set according to the shape and size of the field, the work width of the work implement, etc. Furthermore, the control unit 150 sets in advance the turning radius of the tractor 1 (traveling vehicle body 2) when moving within the field.

[0032] As described above, the control unit 150 is wirelessly connected via the communication unit 155 to the mobile terminal device 160 that can be carried by the worker, by selecting either wireless LAN communication 141 or the communication standard 142 of the mobile communication system. The control unit 150 controls each part of the tractor 1 based on instruction signals from the mobile terminal device 160 operated by the worker. The control unit 150 may have a machine information database for the tractor 1 and be configured to be able to exchange information such as the model from the mobile terminal device 160, etc. By inputting the type of attached work implement 200, the work width W, the work overlap W1, dimensional information of the work implement 200, etc., it becomes possible to calculate the outer edge of the tractor 1 relative to the positioning device 174 and the distance between planned work routes R1 when setting the planned work route R1.

[0033] Furthermore, communication unit 155 communicates with remote control 130, which communicates using wireless communication standard 143 that is different from wireless LAN communication 141 or communication standard 142 of the mobile communication system. When mobile terminal device 160 has selected to communicate with communication unit 155 using wireless LAN communication 141, instructions to start and stop autonomous driving can only be given from remote control 130, and starting and stopping of driving by mobile terminal device 160 is prohibited. When mobile terminal device 160 has selected to communicate with communication unit 155 using communication standard 142 of the mobile communication system, instructions to start autonomous driving can only be given from mobile terminal device 160, and stop instructions can be accepted from both mobile terminal device 160 and remote control 130.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of planned work path creation in a tractor travel path creation system according to an embodiment. The autonomous driving ECU 153 acquires the field outline F1 from the travel trajectory of the positioning device 174 when traveling along the boundary of the field F. The working width W and work overlap W1 of the attached work implement 200 are input in advance to the autonomous driving ECU 153, and headland travel paths M1, M2, and M3 are set based on the difference between the working width W and the work overlap W1. A work area A is set inside the innermost headland travel path M3, and a planned work path R1 is set to work the entire work area A. The planned work path R1 is composed of, for example, a straight path that repeatedly goes back and forth, and the straight paths are connected by a turning path T to form a single stroke.

[0035] The automatic driving ECU 154 of the control unit 150 controls the engine E, transmission 121, and lifting device 13 to work at a preset vehicle speed, while comparing the planned work route R1 with the position and travel path of the tractor 1 obtained from the positioning device 174 and the travel direction of the tractor 1 obtained from the azimuth sensor 170, and controls the front wheels 6 with the steering device 122 so that the tractor travels along the planned work route R1.

[0036] In the turning path T, for example, if the turning angle sensor 113 detects that the turning angle of the front wheels 6 has been turned by more than a predetermined angle, the work implement 200 will rise and the drive of the PTO shaft 11 will stop. At the same time, if a turning method is set in which one of the rear wheels 7 on the inside of the turn is turned with a brake, and the front wheels 6 are accelerated to switch to four-wheel drive, the tractor 1 will be able to turn with the smallest possible turning radius.

[0037] The position of the tractor 1 is determined by the positioning device 174, but the position of the work implement 200 relative to the positioning device 174 is set in advance, and the turning is controlled to start when the position of the work implement 200 reaches the end of the working area A.

[0038] 6 is a schematic diagram of planned movement path creation in the tractor travel path creation system according to the embodiment. When the tractor 1 finishes traveling along the planned work path R1 and reaches a location outside the work area, such as the end of the work area A, the autonomous driving ECU 154 of the control unit 150 creates a planned movement path G1 that connects the movement start point P1, which is the position of the tractor 1, to an arbitrarily set target point P4.

[0039] Three headland travel routes M1, M2, and M3 are set for the working area A based on the type of work implement 200 selected in advance and the differences between the working width W and the work overlap W1. The planned travel route G1 includes a headland travel route portion G12 that travels along a second headland travel route M2 that is set inside the outermost first headland travel route M1. The second headland travel route M2 is set inside the outermost first headland travel route M1, which is set inside the boundary line of the field outline by half the working width W plus a safety margin, by the difference between the working width W and the work overlap W1. Therefore, the second headland travel route M2 travels a predetermined distance inside the field outline F1. This reduces the possibility of the tractor 1 deviating from the field outline F1, allowing for safe travel.

[0040] Furthermore, the automatic driving ECU 154 of the control unit 150 calculates in advance the position of the outer end of the tractor 1 relative to the positioning device 174, and when the outer end of the tractor 1 reaches the field outline F1, stops the tractor 1 to prevent deviation. Therefore, by moving the tractor 1 along the second headland traveling path M2, it is possible to prevent the tractor 1 from having to stop in order to prevent deviation, thereby enabling efficient movement and traveling.

[0041] Furthermore, the second headland traveling path M2 is set further outward by the difference between the working width W and the work overlap W1 than the innermost third headland traveling path M3, which is set further outward from the boundary line of the working area A by the difference between half the working width W and the work overlap W1, so it travels a predetermined distance outside the working area A. This reduces the possibility of re-trampling working area A that has already been worked, and makes it possible to efficiently improve the quality of the finished work in the field.

[0042] Note that while the tractor 1 stops traveling when its outer end reaches the field outline F1, it does not stop traveling even when its outer end reaches the work area A. The field outline F1 is formed with ridges, etc., and if the outer end of the tractor 1 comes into contact with them, there is a possibility that the tractor 1, the implement, or the ridges may be damaged, so safety is prioritized and the tractor is stopped, but since there is little chance of damage even when the outer end of the tractor 1 reaches the work area A, it is allowed to continue traveling, allowing the tractor to travel efficiently.

[0043] If there is a turning section within the headland travel path section G12, it is set so that the machine turns on a turning circle C2 where the straight lines of the headland travel path section G12 meet. The turning circle C2 is set to a turning radius (for example, 5 m) that is larger than the turning radius when turning with one brake on the turning path T connecting adjacent planned work paths R1, and that allows turning with no one brake and two-wheel drive. This allows the machine to move on the planned travel path G1 without disturbing the field.

[0044] Movement start path section G11, which connects movement start point P1, the position of the traveling vehicle body 1, and headland traveling path section G12, is composed of a curve that follows an extension line L1 of the orientation of the traveling vehicle body 1 at movement start point P1, and a turning circle C1 that is tangent to both extension line L1 and second headland traveling path M2. This allows for a smooth transition from movement start point P1 to headland traveling path section G12 on second headland traveling path M2. Like turning circle C2, turning circle C1 has a turning radius that allows turning with two-wheel drive, so it can move along planned movement path G1 without disturbing the field.

[0045] The movement end path section G13, which connects the headland traveling path section G12 and a target point P4 set at an arbitrary position, includes the target point P4 and is configured as a curve along a turning circle C3 that is tangent to the headland traveling path section G12 on the second headland traveling path M2. This allows smooth movement from the headland traveling path section G12 to the target point P4.

[0046] In this way, a planned movement route G1 consisting of a movement start route section G11, a headland movement route section G12, and a movement end route section G13 is set and displayed on the mobile terminal device 160. When the administrator sends a movement start instruction, the engine E, transmission 121, and steering device 122 are controlled so that the traveling vehicle body 1 travels along the planned movement route G1 at a predetermined speed (for example, 5 km / h), and stops traveling when it reaches the target point P4.

[0047] By automatically moving the vehicle to an arbitrarily set target point P4 in this way, the distance the driver has to walk in the field when getting in for subsequent manual driving can be shortened.

[0048] When setting the planned travel route G1 as described above, the vehicle can travel to the target point P4 by going around the work area A and the field outline F1, but there are cases where multiple planned travel routes G1, G2 can be created, such as a planned travel route G2 that goes clockwise around the work area A and a planned travel route G1 that goes counterclockwise. In this case, the lengths of the multiple candidate planned travel routes G1, G2 are compared, and the shortest planned travel route G1 is selected. This shortens the travel time and allows the traveling vehicle body 1 to move efficiently.

[0049] Furthermore, if the planned movement route G1 cannot connect the movement start route section G11, the headland traveling route section G12, and the movement end route section G13 due to the turning circles C1, C2, and C3, the planned movement routes G1 and G2 are not created, and if no planned movement route G1 can be created, this is displayed on the mobile terminal device 160. Also, the movement start route section G11 may be set as a route that starts with a turn along a circle that is tangent at the position of the traveling vehicle body 1 to the line in the direction that the traveling vehicle body 1 is facing at the movement start point P1.

[0050] The target point P4, which can be set at any position, may be limited to a range that is a predetermined distance inside the field outline F1 and a predetermined distance outside the work area A. This makes it possible to prevent the robot from approaching the field outline F1 and stopping midway while moving along the movement end path section G13, or from entering the work area A and trampling on the already worked area.

[0051] 7 is a side view of a tractor equipped with a spreader according to an embodiment. The spreader 220 is a work machine that widely spreads materials such as fertilizer stored in a material tank 221 from a spreading unit 223. The materials are spread rearward by a rotating plate in the spreading unit 223 that rotates with rotational power transmitted from the PTO shaft 11 of the traveling vehicle body 1 to the PTO input shaft 222.

[0052] Since the width of the work implement 200 itself is small compared to the working width W, when the type of work implement 200 attached to the traveling vehicle body 1 is set to be the broadcaster 220 by input from the mobile terminal device 160, only the first headland traveling path M1 is set as the headland traveling path M1.

[0053] Therefore, when the type of work implement 200 attached to the traveling body 1 is set to be a broadcaster 220, the headland traveling path section G12 of the planned travel route G1 is set along the outermost headland traveling path M1, and when a work implement 200 other than a broadcaster 220 is set, the headland traveling path section G12 of the planned travel route G1 is set along the planned travel route to a second headland traveling path M2 created more inward than the outermost headland traveling path M1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1 Tractor (work vehicle) 150 control section 174 Positioning Device A work area F1 field outline G1 Planned travel route G11 Movement start path section G12 Headland travel route section G13 Movement end path section M2 Headland route P1 Movement start point P4 target point R1 Planned work route

Claims

1. A positioning device is provided to measure the position of the work vehicle, Memorize the field outline, Create a work area that is contained within the field outline, Create a planned work path within the work area; a control unit that controls the vehicle to travel along the created planned work route; The control unit creates a planned movement route that does not involve work, separate from the planned work route, The planned movement route is a route connecting a movement start point, which is the position of the work vehicle that has reached a location outside the work area, with an arbitrarily set destination point, a headland travel path section that travels along a headland travel path created between the work area and the field outline; a movement start route section connecting the movement start point and the headland traveling route section; A headland travel route section and a travel end route section connecting the headland travel route section and the target point are included. The headland travel route is created within a specified distance of the field outline. A system for creating driving routes for work vehicles.

2. The turning on the planned travel route is created by creating a turning circle of a predetermined radius that is tangent to the headland travel route, If multiple candidates for the planned travel route can be created, the shortest route will be selected as the planned travel route. The system for generating a travel route for a work vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The headland travel route is created based on the settings of the work equipment attached to the traveling vehicle, When the broadcaster is set on the work implement, the headland travel route portion of the planned travel route is set along the outermost headland travel route, When a work implement other than a broadcaster is set, the headland travel route portion of the planned travel route is set along the headland travel route created inside the outermost headland travel route.

3. A system for generating a travel route for a work vehicle according to claim 1 or 2.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Autonomous driving system for work vehicles

    JP7096531B2